AD&D (1e) states that thieves can only wear leather armour.
Does this include studded leather? I've always played not as I can't think of any instances where studded leather is expressly included as allowed in descriptions, however coming back to the game I'm not sure this isn't just an assumption I've made and that it could be fine.
So can thieves wear studded leather? And can you cite where it says it's OK?
(I believe Unearthed Arcarna lists penalties for armour other than leather and lists studded leather, padded armour and elfin chain as valid for thieves (but nothing else) but I've always seen the later hardbacks (everything after D&D-Gs) as AD&D 1.1 so I'm kind of looking for earlier citations).
Best Answer
The phrase is "light (leather) armor" (ph27). Thus for reasons of both weight and potential noise (stud hitting whatever, frex), only plain Leather is permitted btb.
Personally I permit studded as long as the character's actions do not involve the weight or noise factors, i.e. intermittently (overland trips etc). That's not btb but the boss did the same. ;>
It may be noteworthy that in the huge Gygax archive (several years' worth) at Dragonsfoot.org, this question doesn't arise.